Fall 2016

Crossing the Street: SW Is... is a workshop series and community festival that explores what Southwest DC was, is and can be. Through playwriting, poetry and visual art workshops in local schools and community centers, YPT asked residents of all ages: “What does the past, present and future of SW look like to you?” Their responses came to life in a performance piece and community festival that celebrates the neighborhood’s rich history and exciting future!

On November 6, 2016, the event included three distinct sections: SW Was..., SW Is... and SW Can Be....
SW Was... guides visitors through the history and culture of SW. With talks by local historians, archival photos and more, it's a must for any history buff!

SW Is... brings the voices of Southwest to life onstage. Professional readings of student-written monologues and poems, music and dance performances and more await on the event's main stage!

SW Can Be... features interactive, artistic explorations of Southwest's future. Write your thoughts on our magnetic poetry wall, stand on a soapbox to speak your mind and share it all on social media using #CrossingtheStreetSW!

Crossing the Street: SW Is... is featured on the back cover of the October 2016 issue of The Southwester, Southwest DC's free community newspaper! Click here to read up on the exciting project, and pick up a copy in newsstands across Southwest!